I just received my second pair of Wolverine 1000 Miles; and while I did get them for ~$270 and advertised as "brand new in box" with no mention of factory seconds, a couple of things are overtly visible, but not in a horrific way.

Firstly, the toe on the right boot has a dark spot that looks like a scuff in the leather was polished over. Any advice on concealing this without going darker? I want to preserve the light tan color for as long as I can.

Lastly, the stitching on the welt appears haphazardly done but I would like to know if anything can remove the stains on the white stitching. I read on these forums once that rubbing alcohol can possibly remedy this. Anyone have experience doing so?

Aside from these two blemishes, they are all around a nice looking pair of boots.

Firstly, the toe on the right boot has a dark spot that looks like a scuff in the leather was polished over. Any advice on concealing this without going darker? I want to preserve the light tan color for as long as I can.

I honestly wouldn't let that mark bother me too much. For one, it's invisible to you when you're wearing it, and hardly visible to others. In addition, as soon as you start actually wearing your boots, you're going to scuff it up quite a bit and then it won't matter at all.

So if you can return it and you choose to, then fine, but if you can't return it, don't let something like that stop you from thoroughly enjoying your new boots.

To return it I'd have to pay the shipping fee plus the cost to have the new pair shipped to me. I wouldn't mind the mark that much, but I do when the boots are listed as brand new in box and no mention of minor defects associated with it. On the other hand, if I did condition and snoseal them, the mark would be less conspicuous afterwards. On the fence here a little bit regarding what to do.

If I were to go about this purchase more judiciously I probably would've chosen Crane's; but having a nascent (and expensive) boot collecting hobby while still attending grad school had me searching for a bargain. Live and learn I suppose.

Any recommendations for boot socks? Nothing something to thick because I live in Louisiana. Also, Louisiana is pretty humid..so what do I need to take care of my boots? Anything special because of the humidity? Also, what should I buy just for general care and maintenance?

Any good places to buy shoe tree's and any treatments I need in one place?

I wear a 10 in Converse so what size should I look at getting in the W1K?

How many years do your guy's soles last on your 1000 miles? I'm debating whether to add a topy/vibrate sole saver or not. The JR soles I have on my Allen Edmonds are still strong and feel like they'll last a long long time without need a resole. Is this the same experience for your guy's 1Ks?

How many years do your guy's soles last on your 1000 miles? I'm debating whether to add a topy/vibrate sole saver or not. The JR soles I have on my Allen Edmonds are still strong and feel like they'll last a long long time without need a resole. Is this the same experience for your guy's 1Ks?

I topy'd my soles so I could wear them during the winter, going on three years of wear now and no noticeable need to replace the soles anytime soon.